Super Falcons head coach, Justine Madugu, remains confident ahead of Nigeria’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against Benin Republic, even as star midfielder Jennifer Echegini has been ruled out of both legs due to injury.

Echegini, who famously scored Nigeria’s winning goal in the 2024 WAFCON final against hosts Morocco, picked up a hamstring injury during her club, Paris Saint-Germain’s, league game on Monday night. The setback means she will miss Friday’s first leg at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, as well as the return leg scheduled for Tuesday at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Despite the blow, Madugu is optimistic that the squad’s depth will carry them through. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, also of PSG, is expected to join camp on Tuesday night alongside a host of foreign-based stars — the Mexico-based duo Osinachi Ohale and Chinwendu Ihezuo, USA-based pair Michelle Alozie and Deborah Abiodun, Canada-based striker Esther Okoronkwo, and Italy-based defender Shukurat Oladipo.

The team’s camp has already grown from nine to eleven players following the arrival of Portugal-based midfielder Christy Ucheibe and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie on Monday night. In addition, Saudi Arabia-based defender Ashley Plumptre landed in Lomé on Tuesday afternoon to further strengthen the squad.

With confidence high and reinforcements arriving steadily, the Super Falcons are determined to maintain their dominance in African women’s football as they begin their march toward the 2026 WAFCON.